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asked.
    â€œWe don’t have time to think about it now,” Henry said. “We promised Doris we’d find Hildy.”
    They went back outside. Benny and Watch ran around the outside of the cabin looking for some sign of Hildy, but they found nothing.
    â€œMaybe she’s on her way to the store right now,” Violet suggested. “Or already there.”
    â€œIn that case, we’re wasting our time,” Jessie said. “Let’s go back to camp.”
    â€œNot yet,” Henry said. “I think we should look around a little more.”
    â€œLet’s go to Andy’s,” Benny suggested. “He might know where Hildy is.”
    They ran over the hill, Watch in the lead.
    Andy’s place was closed up tight. Even the windows were shuttered.
    When the children knocked, there was no answer.
    â€œThey’re both missing!” Benny said.

CHAPTER 15
    The Prisoner
    H enry stepped back from Andy’s cabin. “The way it’s all boarded up, it looks like he’s left for good,” he observed.
    They trooped around the side of the cabin. In back, they saw the wheelbarrow leaning against the wall.
    â€œWhat’s that over there?” Benny asked.
    â€œIt’s a bale of hay with something on it,” Violet observed.
    A square white card was pinned to the bale. Painted on it were several circles, one inside the next.
    â€œIt’s a target,” Henry said. “The kind archers use to practice.”
    â€œBow and arrow practice?” Benny asked.
    Jessie knew what he was thinking. “Just because Mr. Watts likes archery doesn’t mean he’s the one who put that arrow in the maple tree,” she said.
    â€œThat’s right,” Henry agreed. “Someone could have taken the arrows from him.”
    â€œMaybe Andy and Hildy are in this together,” Benny said. “Maybe that’s why they’re both missing.”
    Watch pricked up his ears. He stood listening, and then he loped off toward the cabin.
    The children followed him.
    â€œHe heard something,” Jessie said.
    Whining softly, Watch scratched at the door.
    Henry knocked loudly. “Mr. Watts!” he called. “Are you in there?”
    When no one answered, Benny put his ear to the door.
    â€œThere’s someone in there,” he whispered. “I can hear something.”

    The door opened a crack. Andy Watts peeked out.
    â€œOh, children,” he said. “I’m sorry I didn’t hear you.” He yawned. “I was napping.”
    â€œWe’re looking for Hildy,” Henry told him. “Have you seen her?”
    â€œNo, no, can’t say that I have,” he answered.
    A muffled thump sounded from inside.
    Mr. Watts cleared his throat loudly and began coughing.
    â€œI—uh—can’t talk to you right now,” Andy said. “You run along and I’ll see you later.”
    He closed the door but not before they heard someone yell, “Help! Help! Help me!”
    â€œThat’s Hildy’s voice,” Jessie said.
    Henry knocked furiously. “Mr. Watts! What’s the matter?! What’s going on in there?!”
    Henry started away from the cabin. “Come on!” he said. “We’ll get the ranger!”
    Just then they heard a car approaching.
    â€œIt’s coming from over there!” Benny ran toward a thick stand of trees. He dashed through them, the others close at his heels.
    Beyond was a dirt road. The children waved frantically at the oncoming truck. It pulled up beside them and stopped.
    Doris hopped out. “What’s the matter?” she asked.
    â€œHildy,” the children said at once. “She’s locked in Andy’s cabin!”
    Doris leaped out of the truck.
    They all ran back the way they’d come.
    Doris pounded on the cabin door. “Andy Watts, come out here this instant!” she demanded. “Or we’re going to break this door